SEBASTIAN; 

OR, 

t 

©f)e  ttomcux  iflartgr. 


A  DBA  MA, 

POUNDED  ON  CARDINAL  WISEMAN'S  CELEBRATED 
TALE  OF  " F ABIOL A." 


BY 

T.  D.  McGEE,  M.P.P., 

AUTHOR  OP  "THE  POPULAR  HISTORY   OF  IRELAND,"  "  HISTORY  OF  THE 
IRISH  SETTLERS,"  &C.  &C. 


N  E  W  Y  O  R  K  : 
D.  &  J.  SADLIER  &  CO.,  164  WILLIAM  STREET, 

BOSTON:  — 12  3    FEDERAL  STREET. 
MONTREAL  '. — COR.  OF  NOTRE  DAME  &  ST.  FRANCIS  XAVIER  STREETS. 

1  8  G  1  . 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S61, 

By  D.  &  J.  Sadlier  &  Co., 
Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


defifZ. 


PUBLISHERS'  NOTICE. 


We  are  requested  to  state  that  "  Sebastian,"  in  its  present  . 
shape,  borrows  some  scenes  from  the  Very  Rev.  Canon  Oak- 
ley's dramatic  version  of  "Fabiola,"  under  the  same  title. 
The  Canon's  drama,  however,  had  the  female  characters,  which 
in  "Sebastian,"  intended  for  a  Christian  Brothers'  School, 
were  necessarily  left  out. 

Should  this  attempt  meet  with  favor  from  those  for  whom 
it  was  especially  intended,  we  are  authorized  to  announce 
that  it  will  be  shortly  followed  by  others,  intended  in  like 
manner,  for  the  use  of  schools  and  colleges. 

New  York,  1860. 

#*u  A  reference  to  the  tale  of  "Fabiola,"  and  to  Smith's 
"Dictionary  of  Antiquities,"  will  easily  supply  hints  for  the 
costumes  and  scenery,  where  such  cannot  be  otherwise 
obtained. 


PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 


PAGANS. 

Maximian,  Emperor  of  Rome. 
Fabius,  a  Roman  nobleman. 
Fulvius,  a  Syrian  residing  at  Rome. 
Corvinus,  son  of  the  Prefect  of  the  city. 
Proculus,  a  friend  of  Fabius. 
Calpurnius,  a  pedantic  philosopher 
Herman  or  Arminius,  a  Dacian  soldier. 
Nicostratus,  a  magistrate,  afterwards  converted. 

CHRISTIANS. 

Sebastian,  an  officer  of  the  Emperor's  guard. 
Pancratius,  a  Christian  youth. 
Quadratus,  a  centurian  in  Sebastian's  troop. 
Marcus  and  > 

Marcelliancs,  \  in  Prison  for  the  faith' 
Tranquillinus,  father  to  Marcus  and  Marcellianus. 
Diogenes,  "  fosser"  or  sexton  in  the  Catacombs. 
Dionysius,  a  priest  and  physician. 
Christians,  Citizens,  Suitors  to  the  Emperor's  Guard,  &c. 


PROLOGUE. 


In  a  far  land,  and  a  much  altered  age, 
We  bring  the  Roman  martyrs  on  the  stage, — 
Names  unfamiliar  to  the  modern  ear, 
And  scenes  forgotten  we  present  you  here  ; 
Our  heroes  taken — not  from  fields  of  blood, 
Great  by  the  right  divine  of  being  good ! 
Our  inspiration  drawn  from  that  full  fount — 
That  never  fails  upon  St.  Peter's  mount. 
Amid  such  scenes  we  ought  to  be  at  home, 
For  we,  too,  are  the  progeny  of  Rome ! 
What  is  the  purpose  of  the  mimic  scene, 
If  not  to  show  what  may  be  and  what  has  been  1 
How  glorious  souls  spurning  the  meanest  state, 
May  rise  to  God  the  source  of  all  that's  great. 
Such  our  bold  task — presenting  here  to-night, 
Pancratius  and  Sebastian  to  your  sight. 
The  Christian's  past,  extending  dim  and  far, 
Its  chancel  lighted  yet  by  Bethlehem's  star, 
Spreads  its  broad  aisles  and  transepts  to  our  gaze, 
Filled  with  the  august  forms  of  other  days  ; 
And  who  shall  enter  1   Who  shall  dare  to  tread 
Among  the  embers,  cross-crowned-bearing  dead, 
If  we  may  not  1   Who  see  on  every  hand 
The  banners  of  our  universal  band  1 


PROLOGUE. 


Who  know  the  legend  an't  on  every  shield  1 

Whose  brethren  victors  stand  on  every  field  1 

Who  know  the  watchword  which  these  saints  have  given, 

When  challenged  from  the  battlements  of  Heaven  1 

Shall  we  not  cling  unto  our  glorious  past  1 

Shall  we  not  seek  to  show  what  genuine  glory 

Lies  in  the  Church's  long-neglected  story  1 

Such  is  our  hope.    Yet  your  own  goodness  will 

Due  debit  make  for  our  deficient  skill. 

Those  we  would  show  were  not  of  common  mould, 

The  tale  we  tell  is  one  but  seldom  told  ; 

And  in  the  telling  or  presenting  here, 

Much  cause  have  such  young  orators  to  fear ; 

Trembling  we  come  to  ask  for  your  applause, 

At  least  you'il  judge  us  kindly — for  our  cause. 


SEBASTIAN; 

OR, 

THE   ROMAN  MARTYR. 


A  DRAMA, 

FOUNDED    ON    CARDINAL    WISEMAN'S  CELEBRATED 
TALE    OF  "FABIOLA." 


ACT.  I. 
SCENE— A  STREET  IN  ROME 

Paxcratius  returning  from  school  with  a  servant  carrying 
his  rolls  of  vellum,  §c. 
Pancratius.  God  be  praised  it's  over !  And  yet  I  pity  him  ! 
I  speak  of  Corvinus.  •  When  we  got  the  theme,  "  that  the  true 
philosopher  should  die  for  the  truth,"  I  thought  only  of  the 
theme  and  not  of  the  present.  In  my  ardor  truth  became 
faith,  and  Philosopher,  Christian.  My  good  old  master  Cas- 
sianus — 

Enter  Quadratus. 
Quadratus.  How,  sir  scholar,  musing  aloud  in  the  open  street  1 
How's  this  1 


10 


Sebastian;  or, 


Pancratius.  My  friend  Quadratus.   I  was  thinking  of — 
Quad.  To-morrow's  task. 

Pane.  No,  indeed ;  to-day  I  graduated,  and  the  text  was — 
Truth !  Oh !  Quadratus,  how  cold  was  all  I  heard  and  all  I 
I  said,  to  all  I  felt.  The  Christian  alone  knows  truth,  has  truth 
— should  talk  of  truth. 

Quad.  Hush !  we  are  in  the  street,  remember,  and  just  at  this 
time  it  is  very  unsafe  to  mention  the  name  of  Christian.  You 
maintained  your  theme. 

Pane.  Yes,  and  have  had  the  trial  of  it  upon  me.  You 
know  Corvinus,  son  of  Tertullus  the  Prefect.  A  dull  boy — 
but  not  his  fault,  poor  fellow.  Well,  he  lost  his  honors,  as 
he  always  does ;  then  he  followed  me  out  of  school — taunted 
me  to  fight — called  me  a  base  cowardly  slave  ;  said — he  said 
Quadratus  (oh !  I  cannot  repeat  it !) 

Quad.  What  said  he,  my  dear  boy  1 

Pane.  Said  we  Christians  (oh!  think  of  it!)  worshipped  an 
ass's  head.   That  our  God  was  a  common  thief — an  impostor 
crucified  for  His  crime  against  the  Emperor.    My  blood  boiled 
to  hear  such  blasphemies.  But — 
Quad.  Go  on,  go  on. 

\  moment  roused  me.   I  stood,  and  then  I  thought 
jar  Lord  in  cruel  Caiphas's  house,  and  all  He  bore 
ly  blood  fled  back.    But  he — he  struck  me — fiercely 
e,  and  the  whole  crowd  of  boys  cheered  when  he 
struck  m» — 

Vnd  you  ? 

Vith.  a  great  effort  to  keep  down  my  arm,  and  con- 
scious 01  the  cause  for  which  I  stood,  and  His  commands,  I 


THE   ROMAN  MARTYR. 


11 


said:  "  God  pardon  you,  Corvinus,"  and  turned  away.  Cassianus 
overtook  me,  but  I  begged  him  not  to  pursue  Corvinus  for 
the  assault.  You  know  he  knew  no  better.  So  Cassianus 
promised — 

Quad.  My  noble  boy !  this  day  you  have  proved  well  worthy 
of  your  immortal  father's  blood.  But  haste  thee  home.  They 
are  all  anxious  for  thee,  and  I  must  see  Sebastian  who  waits  for 
me.  To-day  we  attend  the  Emperor.  Fare  thee  well.  We'll 
meet  soon — very  soon. 


SCENE-A  HALL  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  FABIUS. 

Fabius,  Calpurnius,  Proculus,  Fulvids,  cthd  Sebastian. 

Fabius.  In  three  years  the  Thermae  of  the  divine  Dioclesian 
completed,  in  three  years,  didst  say  1  It's  impossible ;  I  looked  in 
at  the  works  on  my  way  to  Sallust's  garden  the  other  day,  and 
found  that  very  little  progress  had  been  made  since  last  year* 
A  great  deal  of  heavy  work  has  to  be  done,  such  as  carving 
marbles  and  shaping  columns.    The  thing  is  impossible. 

Fuhius.  But  I  know  that  orders  have  been  sent  in  every 
quarter  to  forward  hither  all  prisoners  and  persons  condemned 
to  the  mines  in  Spain,  Sardinia,  and  even  Chersonesus.  A  few 
thousand  Christians  alone  are  wanted  to  do  the  work. 

Sebastian.  And  why  Christians,  may  I  ask,  more  than  others  1 
•  Fu.lv.  0,  I  can  hardly  say.  But  so  it  is,  that  one  Christian 
workman  is  as  good  as  fifty  others. 

Fabius,  Calpurnius,  Proculus.  (At  once.)  Indeed !  Pray 
how,  Fulvius  1 

Fulv.  0,  they  are  so  active,  orderly,  and  obedient.  Other 


LIBRARY 


12 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


convicts  require  to  be  driven  to  their  work  by  the  lash,  but  the 
Christians  are  quite  different.  I  have  seen  with  my  own  eyes, 
in  Asia,  young  patricians  whose  hands  had  evidently  never  han- 
dled a  pick-axe,  nor  their  shoulders  borne  a  weight,  how  they 
did  work  so  willingly,  nay,  cheerfully  withal ;  I  don't  mean  that 
the  lash  was  not  properly  applied  to  them  ;  for  you  know  that 
our  divine  Emperor  wills  that  if  exceptions  be  made  in  the  case 
of  the  Christians,  they  should  be  on  the  side  of  rigor,  not  in- 
dulgence, so  justly  anxious  is  the  divine  Dioclesian  that  every 
possible  hindrance  should  be  placed  in  the  way  of  that  accursed 
sect. 

Seb.  Well,  I  own  this  kind  of  justice  does  not  commend 
itself  to  me.  But  what  a  strange  race  these  Christians  must  be ! 
Is  any  credible  account  given  of  this  extraordinary  stupidity 
or  insensibility  1 

Proc.  Come,  Calpurnius,  you  are  learned  in  the  history  of 
those  Christians.  Do,  pray,  enlighten  us,  and  answer  the  natu- 
ral question  of  Sebastian. 

CaJp.  Know,  then,  most  noble  friends,  that  the  Christians  are 
a  foreign  sect,  the  founder  of  which  flourished  many  ages  ago 
in  Judea.  His  doctrines  were  brought  to  Rome  in  the  time  of 
Vespasian,  by  two  brothers  named  Peter  and  Paul.  Some 
contend  that  these  brothers  were  the  same  whom  the  Jews 
call  Moses  and  Aaron,  the  second  of  whom  sold  his  inheritance 
for  a  kid,  the  skin  of  which  he  wanted  to  make  hand-gloves.f 
But  this  tradition  I  reject,  since  'tis  recorded  in  the  mystical 
books  of  the  Jews  that  the  younger  of  these  brothers,  seeing 
that  the  others'  victims  gave  better  omens  than  his  own,  slew 
him  (as  our  own  Romulus  did  Remus),  but  with  the  jaw-bone 


THE   ROMAN  MARTYR. 


13 


of  an  ass,  for  which  he  was  hung  by  King  Mordochsesus  of 
Macedon,  upon  a  gibbet  50  cubits  high,  at  the  suit  of  their 
sister  Judith.  Be  this  as  it  may,  Peter  and  Paul,  as  I  said, 
coming  to  Rome,  the  former  was  discovered  to  be  a  fugitive 
slave  of  Pontius  Pilate,  and  was  crucified  by  his  master's 
orders  on  the  Janiculum.  Their  followers  (who  are  numerous) 
make  the  cross  their  symbol,  and  think  it  their  proudest 
dignity  to  suffer  stripes,  imprisonment,  and  even  death, 
believing  that  this  is  the  best  mode  of  getting  to  some  pleasant 
place  above  the  clouds. 
Seb.  0,  the  booby ! 

Proc.  "Well,  the  report  then  is  that  the  Thermae  will  soon  be 
completed,  and  then  we  shall  have  glorious  sport. 

Fv.lv.  0  yes,  magnificent.  But  we  shan't  have  to  wait  any 
longer.  Already  orders  have  been  sent  to  Numidia  for  an 
immense  supply  of  lions  and  leopards,  to  be  ready  against 
winter.  A  brave  soldier  like  you,  Sebastian,  must  be  delighted 
with  the  glorious  spectacle  of  the  amphitheatre,  especially 
when  directed  against  the  enemies  of  the  Emperor  and  of 
the  republic  which  you  so  faithfully  serve. 

Seb.  Fulvius,  I  should  ill  deserve  your  character  of  me, 
could  I  view  with  any  satisfaction  the  struggle  (if  it  deserve 
the  name)  between  a  brute  beast  and  a  helpless  child  or 
woman.  I  see  nothing  great  or  noble  in  such  spectacles.  No ; 
I  will  ever  be  ready  to  draw  my  sword  to  defend  the  princes 
of  the  state  in  a  just  war  ;  but  I  would  as  soon  sheathe  it  in  the 
heart  of  the  lion  or  leopard  that  should  spring,  even  by  Impe- 
rial order,  on  the  innocent  and  defenceless.  Nay,  Fulvius, 
do  not  start.    I  am  not  the  first  Roman,  nor  the  noblest,  who 


14  SEBASTIAN;  OR, 

has  broached  these  sentiments.  Remember  the  words  of 
Cicero :  "  Magnificent  are  the  games,  no  doubt,  but  what 
delight  can  it  be  to  a  refined  mind  to  see  either  a  feeble  man 
torn  by  a  powerful  beast,  or  a  noble  animal  pierced  through 
by  a  javelin  V*  I  am  content  to  be  on  the  side  of  the  greatest 
of  Roman  orators, 

Fulv.  Then,  Sebastian,  we  are  never  to  see  you  in  the  am- 
phitheatre 1 

Seb.  If  you  do,  rely  upon  it,  it  will  be  upon  the  side  of  the 
defenceless. 

Fab.  Well,  most  noble  guests,  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  pure 
and  truthful  Phalernian  will  help  us  to  settle  our  disputes  on 
this  high  question.  I  have  a  word  to  say  to  my  daughter,  and 
will  join  you  in  the  triclinium  before  dinner  is  served.  Fulvius 
will  represent  me  till  I  come. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE-A  TERRACE  LOOKING  TOWARDS  THE  COLLISEUM 
—MOONLIGHT. 

i 

Enter  Sebastian  and  Paxcratius. 

Sebastian.  0,  what  a  lovely  night !    See  how  the  moon, 
Careering  o'er  the  azure  firmament, 
Bathes  tow'r  and  arch  and  yonder  amphitheatre 
In  its  delicious  light. 

Pancratius.  Sebastian,  methinks  Heaven's  palace  must 
Be  bright  indeed.    If  e'en  this  nether  side  of  its  magnificence, 
Which  God  reveals  to  lure  our  aching  sight 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


15 


From  earth's  corruption,  and  her  scenes  of  woe, 
To  things  supernal,  show  so  passing  fair. 

Seb.  A  goodly  thought,  Pancratius,  and  true. 
Thin  is  the  veil,  nor  hard  to  penetrate, 
Which  severs  us,  pledg'd  warriors  of  the  cross, 
From  that  bright  church  above. 

Pane.  Thin  is  that  veil, 
Methinks  e'en  while  we  speak,  Sebastian, 
Mine  eye  discerns  the  very  aperture, 
Which  through  the  flimsy  texture  of  this  web, 
Reveals  the  golden  field  that  lies  beyond. 

Seb.  What !  in  the  spangled  sky  ? 

Pane.  No,  nearer  home ; 
Seest  thou  the  Flavian  pile,  as  the  bright  moon 
Pencils  in  outline  clear,  its  hundred  arches  1 

Seb.  Well,  dearest  friend. 

Pane.  Each  of  these  opening  arches. 
Which  leads  the  martyr  to  his  ready  crown, 
Is  but  a  veil,  thin  as  the  spider's  work, 
'Twixt  us  and  those  who  wait  for  us.    But  hark  ! 

(The  roaring  of  wild  beasts  is  heard.) 

Seb.  That  was  a  lion's  roar  from  underneath  the  Ccelien. 
'Tis  the  trumpet-note,  Pancratius,  which  summons  us  to  battle  ; 
nay,  the  poean  that  hymns  our  victory. 

Pane.  These  are  sounds,  Sebastian, 
Which  warn  us  that  our  trial  time  is  brief. 
Lend  me  your  ear,  my  faithful  friend  and  counsellor  ; 
I  have  a  word  to  say. 

Seb.  What  weighty  matter 


16 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Prompts  you  to  seek  my  sage  advice  1 

Pane.  Oh!  nothing 
Of  note  to  one  of  your  experienced  eye, 
Howbeit  of  moment  to  a  boy  like  me. 
You  know,  Sebastian,  I  have  stores  at  home 
Of  jewels,  plate  and  other  patrimony  : 
111  suited  to  our  simple  way  of  life, 
And  ne'er  to  pass  in  heritage  to  others  : 
For  that  my  name  and  race  end  with 
My  life.    Sebastian,  you  have  told  me  how 
The  poor  were  heirs  of  property  unclaimed  by  kin. 
Well,  I  would  make  the  poor  my  heritors 
By  gift,  not  legacy ;  you  understand  me  1 
And  then  if  persecution  come,  and  Lictors 
Invade  our  dwellings  and  purloin  our  goods, 
Mine  shall  escape  the  spoiler's  hand,  secure 
Where  God  would  have  them. 

Seb.  I  have  heard  thee  out. 
Dear  boy,  that  the  proposal  might  be  all 
Thine  own.    Of  course  Lucina  knows. 

Pane.  Oh,  yes  ; 
I  would  not  sequestrate  a  grain  of  dust 
Without  my  mother's  cognizance.    But  now, 
Dear  Sebastian,  do  help  me  chose  a  place 
Far  from  my  home,  where  of  my  little  store 
Fit  distribution  may  be  made,  and  say 
That  one  who  needs  the  suffrages  of  all, 
But  chiefly  of  the  poor,  asks  a  return 
Of  prayers  for  alms  ;  but  as  you  love  me,  brother, 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


17 


Breathe  not  my  name. 

Seb.  I  serve  you  with  delight, 
My  nohle-hearted  hoy.    But  stay,  I  hear  footsteps  without. 
Await  me  here  a  moment.  (Exit.) 

Pane.  (Pacing  vp  and  dow?i.)  Strange  changes  show 
themselves  on  every  side.  Even  our  fearless,  frank  Sebas- 
tian, the  pride  and  model  of  all  Roman  soldiership,  seems  full 
of  care,  less  for  himself  than  others — 

A  noble  gravity  is  throned  upon  his  brow.    0,  what  a  man  is 

there  ! 
But  he  returns. 

Re-enter  Sebastian. 

Sebastian.  Plotters  and  plots  oil  every  side  we  turn, 
In  the  State's  name,  against  our  holy  faith. 
Alas  !  they  little  know  how  very  needful 
That  faith  is  for  the  saving  of  the  State. 

Pancratius.  Troublesome  times  are  coming. 

Seb.  Are  come,  Pancratius.  This  reminds  me  that  I  have 
an  errand  of  charity  to  accomplish.  You  know  Marcus  and 
Marcellianus  1 

Pane.  What  of  them  1 

Seb.  They  have  been  sentenced  to  death  on  a  charge  of 
being  Christians.  Their  parents  have  got  about  them  through 
favor  of  the  authorities,  who  want,  of  course,  to  bring  them 
round ;  and  I  am  told  that,  poor  fellows,  they  are  wavering. 
My  position,  you  know,  in  the  palace,  makes  me  acquainted 
with  all  such  matters.  I  shall  get  admission  to  them  in  the 
house  of  Nicostratus  the  magistrate,  to  which  they  have  been 
taken  from  the  prison,  and  try  to  steady  them. 


18 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Pane.  0,  may  God  be  with  you  ! 

Seb.  Well,  Pancratius,  you  have  given  me  your  blessing ; 
now  follow  me  with  your  prayers.        {Exit  on  opposite  sides.) 


SCENE  IT.— THE  HALL  OF  THE  LATERAN  PALACE. 

Maximian  seated.  The  prefects  of  Gaul,  Spain,  Italy,  Sicily, 
Rome,  and  on  either  hand  pagan  priests,  orators,  suiiors,  §c. 
Calpcrmus,  Fulvius  and  Corvixus  among  the  crowd.  Se- 
bastian with  his  guard  at  the  entrance. 

Maximian.  Prefects  and  priests  !  My  speech,  you  full  well 
know,  is  short  and  plain.  "We  have  called  you  here  to  frame 
directions  how  to  extirpate  the  hateful  Christian  sect.  None 
but  ourselves  and  you  know  of  our  meeting. 

(Sebastian  leans  carelessly  on  his  sword.) 
Therefore  be  brief.    And  what  you  do  devise 
I  swear  by  my  great  namesake,  Hercules, 
To  execute  in  blood,  aye,  to  the  last  drop 
That  flows  in  Christian  veins  throughout  the  West. 
Ye  priests  speak  first. 

1st  Priest.  Divine  Maximian  !    The  Loire  has  overflowed, 
Deluged  your  divinity's  temple, 
Since  first  the  Christians  came  amongst  us. 

2nd  Priest.  An  earthquake  in  our  Attica  ! 
Has  shaken  thrice  great  Hermes  from  his  base. 

3rd  Priest.  The  barbarians  menace  us  in  far  Illyria, 
Led  on,  'tis  clear,  by  Christian  fugitives. 

4th  Priest.  A  pestilence  ravages  Catania, 
Imported  by  the  Christians  from  the  East. 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


19 


Calpurnius.    {Rising  slowly.}    Most  august  Maximian, 
And  reverend  Fathers  !    Fellow- citizens 
And  lovers  of  divine  philosophy  !    I  have  perused 
The  very  books  in  which  the  lore  is  writ 
Of  this  accursed  sect.    Nay,  in  many  vigils 
Have,  with  much  labor,  penetrated  even  into 
The  mysteries  of  their  Jewish  ancestors. 
Let  me  unfold  their  progress  and  designs — 
The  Jews,  their  fathers,  under  Philadelphus, 
Forestalled  the  corn  of  Egypt  in  a  famine, 
And  sought  to  send  it  home  clandestinely ; 
But  Philadelphus,  seizing  on  their  chiefs, 
Twelve  brothers  by  one  mother,  did  condemn  them 
To  take  the  well-threshed  straw  of  the  same  corn 
And  make  it  into  bricks  to  build  a  city. 
Demetrius  Phalerius,  a  lover  of  all  learning, 
And  learned  men — shut  up  in  a  tower — 
Moses  and  Aaron,  having  shaved  their  beards 
Nor  let  them  forth,  until  they  had  written  down 
In  good  Ionic  Greek,  the  mysteries 
Of  all  their  race.    These  volumes  I  have  read, 
And  there  their  bloody  deeds  are  full  confest. 
The  sword,  when  numerous,  was  their  only  creed — 
To  slay — exterminate — all  races  else— 
This  was  the  Christian  creed.    For  it  is  plain 
The  Jews  were  Christians  with  another  name. 
Under  their  high  priests,  they  at  this  moment 
Plot  against  Ptome,  and  yearn  to  burji  us  all, 
With  all  we  have,  aye,  in  the  very  Forum, 
Including  even  the  august  Emperor !  {Great  sensation.} 


20 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Max.  For  my  part  let  me  say — 
My  reasons  for  detesting  them  are  different. 
They  have  dared  to  set  up  here,  in  this  city, 
A  God  unknown  to  us ;  a  rite  unbound 
By  any  ties  of  bondage  to  the  State. 
To  style  their  chief  by  our  imperial  title, 
Pontifex  Maximus,  they  teach  divided  duties, 
And  therefore  they  are  traitors. 
I  hate  this  sacerdotal  claim  to  sway 
My  subjects'  wills.    I  would' rather  far 
Find  a  bold  rival  plucking  at  my  sceptre 
Than  brook  a  supreme  pontiff  here  in  Rome  ! 

{Immense  applause.    Cries  of  long  live  the  divine  Maximia;;.) 

Max.  Prefect  of  Rome  !  Whom  do  you  propose 
To  execute  the  orders  we  will  frame 
For  the  city  and  Campania  1 

Prefect.  {Kneeling  and  beckoning  to  Coitvixrs.)  Here  is  my 
son,  my  liege — 

Max.  {Laughing.)  Per  Jove  !  the  very  fellow. 
Why,  Prefect,  what  an  ugly  son  you  have ! 
One  may  read  scape-grace  in  his  very  face. 
Howbeit,  he'll  do.    You  sirrah,  you  Corvinus, 
See  you  make  clean  work  of  it. 
I  pay  well  both  ways— by  cash  and  lash. 
No  bungling  tricks  with  me.    Your  head  will  answer 
For  your  hands'  offence.    Begone.  {Exit  Corvinus.) 

(Fulvius  moves  partly  across  the  stage.) 

Max.  Ho  !  my  Eastern  argus  !  You've  been  sometimes 
employed,  and  paid— well  paid— in  ferreting  out  traitors ;  yet 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


21 


none  have  come  to. light.  Now  mark!  Here's  Christian  game 
enough  on  every  side.  Be  diligent,  or  else  beware  my  anger. 
The  convicts'  wealth  will  be  divided  between  the  accuser  and 
the  treasury.    Now  go  !  {Exit.') 


SCENE  in.-A  STREET  IN  ROME. 
Eater  FuLvirs  and  Corvinus  in  conversation. 

Falvius.  There  is  no  doubt,  then,  about  the  news  1 

Corvinus.  None  in  the  world.  The  people  have  risen  in 
Numidia,  and  burned  the  church,  as  they  call  it,  of  the  Chris- 
tians. My  father  heard  it  this  morning  from  the  Emperor's 
secretary  himself. 

Fulv.  What  fools  those  Christians  are.  What  ever  could 
induce  them  to  go  and  build  one  of  their  temples  in  the  most 
conspicuous  part  of  the  metropolis !  Why,  they  might  have 
known  that,  sooner  or  later,  the  religious  spirit  of  the  nation 
would  rise  against  them  and  destroy  the  nuisance.  What 
empire  can  tolerate  the  importation  of  a  foreign  religion  1 

Corv.  Why  that  is  just  what  my  father  the  prefect  is  always 
saying.  If  these  Christians  had  any  sense  they  would  hide 
themselves  and  go  into  corners  when  they  are  so  condescend- 
ingly tolerated,  from  time  to  time,  by  the  most  humane  princes. 
However,  I  own  I  am  not  sorry.  If  they  will  build  their 
temples  in  public  places  let  them  take  the  consequences.  One 
may  gain  some  notoriety,  and  profit  into  the  bargain,  by 
huntiDg  down  these  audacious  intruders,  and,  if  possible, 
destroying  them. 

Fulv.  Be  it  so.    But  now  to  come  to  the  point.    It  is  under- 


22 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


stood  that  when  we  can  find  out  who  are  Christians  among  the 
rich,  there  shall  he  a  fair  division  of  the  spoils  "between  us. 
You  have  your  bold  and  rough  way  of  doing  things — I  have 
mine.  But  each  shall  get  his  due  share  of  the  profits.  It  is  so, 
is  it  not  1 

Corv.  Precisely. 

Enter  Fabius. 

Fabius.  Ha!  Fulvius,  how  are  you?  I  have  not  seen  you 
this  age.  Come  and  sup  with  me  to-day  ;  I  have  people  at  my 
house.  And  your  friend,  too — Corvinus,  I  believe— (Corvinus 
makes  an  awkward  bow) — I  hope  he  will  accompany  you. 

Fidvius.  Thanks  ;  but  I  fear  I  am  engaged. 

Fab.  Nonsense,  man  ;  we  two  are  all  that  are  left  in  the  city 
who  are  good  company  for  each  other.  Has  my  house  the 
plague  in  it,  that  you  have  never  once  entered  it  since  that 
evening  when  you  met  Sebastian  and  got  into  a  quarrel  with 
him  1  Or  was  it  seme  magical  charm  that  struck  you  dead 
that  fatal  day  1 

Fuh.  In  truth  I  believe  it  was. 

Fab.  Well,  well,  come  and  we  shall  try  and  break  the  spell 
over  a  bottle. 
Fidv.  With  all  my  heart ! 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


23 


ACT  III. 

SCENE  I.— A  LARGE  HALL  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  NICOSTRATUS 
LIGHTED  FROM  A  SINGLE  OPENING  IN  THE  ROOF. 

Nicostratixs,  Cladxus,  Tr axquillixus,  Marcus,  Marcel- 
lianus  and  other  prisoners,  officers,  §c. 

Marcus.  0,  spare  us,  spare  us,  father,  such  a  test; 
This  cruel  love  of  yours  will  break  our  hearts, 
Too  rudely  torn  already  by  the  strife 
'Twixt  duty  and  affection. 

Tranquillini'.Sf  0,  my  sons, 
Talk  not  of  duty  now ;  what  duty  prompts  ye 
To  tamper  with  sucb  a  boon  as  life, 
That  precious  jewel,  given  us  to  preserve 
At  the  cost  of  liberty,  light,  comfort,  ease, 
And  all  that  men  hold  dearest  1    To  renounce 
For  an  opinion,  haply  but  a  dream, 
A  treasure  in  possession.    Duty  urge 
To  scorn  a  father's  most  imperious  word, 
A  mother's  burning  tear !    By  all  the  love 
Ye  bear  us, — by  those  most  resistless  pleas, 
Childhood's  sweet  memories,  youth's  sparkling  joy, 
The  voice  of  parents  and  the  thoughts  of  home, 
0,  leave  us  not,  dear  children  of  our  care, 
Hope  of  our  failing  age  !    Come,  quit  these  chains. 

Mar.  Thus  far  you  have  prevailed. 

(Cladius  takes  off  their  chains.) 


24  SEBASTIAN  j  OR, 

Enter  Sebastian. 

Sebastian.  Hail,  holy  brothers, 
Servants  and  soldiers  of  the  glorious  Cross, 
Prisoners  of  Him  who,  to  deliver  us, 
Bore  chains,  and  stripes,  and  ignominious  death ; 
Whose  limbs  are  furrowed  by  his  galling  bonds  ; 
Who  share  the  foretaste  of  His  pangs,  and  soon 
Shall  drink  His  saving  chalice  to  the  dregs. 
'Twere  meet  that  on  my  knees  I  did  you  homage, 
And  craved  your  prayers,  instead  of  greeting  you 
With  words  of  exhortation,  dare  I  say 
Of  stern  reproof?    Ah  !  no,  it  cannot  be, 
While  angel  hands  are  weaving  the  last  flowers 
Of  your  victorious  crowns,  that  ye  have  bid  them 
Pause  in  their  work,  and  'gin  untwine  those  wreaths, 
And  turn  to  dust  the  blossoms  culld  for  you  ; 
That  you,  whose  feet  are  even  upon  the  threshold 
Of  the  bright,  beaming  courts  of  Paradise, 
Can  dream  of  drawing  back  to  tread  once  more 
This  land  of  exile  and  this  vale  of  tears  ! 
I  note  that  blush.    0,  brothers  !    Can  ye  quail 
Before  a  worm  like  me,  yet  face  the  frown 
Of  Him  ye  would  deny  in  words,  the  while 
Your  heart  abhorreth  to  indorse  the  lie  ? 
Ye  who  deny  Him  before  men  shall  be 
By  Him  denied  before  the  angelic  host. 
Then  will  ye  stand  before  that  judgment  seat, 
Not  confessors  as  now,  but  palt'ring  cowards, 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


25 


Who  for  a  few  years  of  earthly  bliss 
Have  sold  your  palms,  and  crawled  like  grovelling  worms 
To  meet  your  Judge's  eye,  when  ye  might  spring 
With  eagle  flight  to  his  embrace. 

Tranquillinus.  Sir ! 
Whoever  thou  art,  in  pity  spare  thy  words. 
My  sons  deserve  not  at  thy  hands  these  thorns 
Of  sharp  rebuke.    'Twas  to  their  mother's  tears 
And  my  command,  and  to  no  torturing  threat, 
They  bow'd  submissive.    Filial  duty  'twas, 
Not  cowardice,  that  tamed  their  stubborn  wills. 
Why  should  they  leave  to  hopeless  misery 
Their  age-worn  parents  1    Call  you  this  religion  1 

Seb.  Forbear  awhile,  my  good  old  man  ;  leave  me 
To  argue  with  thy  sons.    They  have  a  key 
To  ope  the  meaning  of  my  speech,  which  thou, 
From  chance,  not  malice,  lackest.    Noble  friends, 
Well  hath  your  father  said,  'twas  filial  love, 
Not  cowardice,  that  shook  your  firm  resolve. 
I  know  it.    Ye  forget  His  words,  who  saith  : 
"  They  are  not  meet  to  be  my  followers  who 
Love  parents  more  than  me."    0,  hearts  unwise ! 
Deem  ye  your  loss  shall  be  your  parents'  gain  1 
That  Heaven's  gate  ye  can  unbar  to  them 
Who  shut  it  on  yourselves  1    Or  nerve  their  arm 
To  bear  the  Cross  you  rudely  fling  away  1 
0,  if  ye  seek  to  win  for  them  the  prize, 
Stretch  forth  your  hands  and  grasp  it  manfully. 


20 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Yea,  let  your  blood  cry  clam'rous  from  the  ground 
For  their  salvation. 

Marcus  and  Marcellianus.  Hold,  Sebastian,  hold ! 
We  are  resolved.  {To  the  gaoler.)  Cladius,  put  on  our  chains, 
And  thou,  Nicostratus,  give  instant  word 
For  execution  to  be  done.    Farewell,  father. 

Tranq.  No,  we  part  no  more. 
Go  tell  Chromatius  I  am  now  a  Christian. 
Father  and  son  shall  share  a  common  death. 

Nicostratus.  Thou  must  depart,  Sebastian.    I  revere 
Thy  zeal  and  noble  recklessness  of  cost, 
And  honor  that  faith  which  makes  thee  play  the  hero, 
And  to  deeds  of  daring  nerves  thy  youthful  comrades ; 
But  stern  duty  calls  and  leaves  no  place  for  pity. 

Seb.  Say,  Nicostratus, 
Dost  not  thou,  too,  believe  1 

Nicos.  No,  no,  Sebastian  ! 
I  lack  some  evidence  more  cogent  still 
E'n  than  the  lustre  of  thy  constancy. 

Seb.  Well,  patience.    You  will  see,  aye,  and  believe. 
Your  time  will  come,  at  least  I  pray  it  will, 
And  you'll  be  one  of  us,  Nicostratus ! 


SCENE  It. — THE  FORUM— N IGUT. 

Enter  Corvinus  with  a  board  on  which  is  nailed  a  sheet  of 
parchment  inscribed  in  large  letters.  lie  looks  round,  then 
affixes  the  board  to  a  piVar  and  calls  the  sentinel  on  guard. 


Corvinus.  Arminius ! 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


27 


Sentinel.  Here. 

Corv.  See  you  this  board  ? 

Sent.  Right  well. 

Corv.  You'll  guard  it  at  your  peril.  Look  you  now,  if  any 
one  dare  insult  it  do  your  duty.  'Tis  death  to  him  that  scorns 
it ;  death  to  him  that  lets  it  suffer  scorn.   You  understand  me  1 

Sent.  I  am  your  servant. 

Corv.  Mark  you  well,  Arminius, 
"  Numen  Imperatorum,"  that's  the  watchword. 
Dost  catch  it  1 

Sent.  Yea. 

Corv.  Then  say  it  after  me. 
Sent.  No-o-men  Imperatorum. 

Corv.  Right.    Farewell.  {Exit.) 


SCENE— THE  HOUSE  OF  DIOGENES. 

Diogenes  and  his  two  boys.   A  knock  is  heard.    Enter  Pan- 
cratius  and  Quadratus. 

Diogenes.  Come  in,  my  young  masters. 

Quadratics.  Thank  you,  sir  ! 
We  came  to  sup  with  you,  but  not  just  yet ; 
We  have  an  errand  in  your  neighborhood, 
And  when  'tis  done  we'll  join  you  at  your  meal. 
Here,  Decius !  take  this  purse  and  cater  for  us ; 
We'll  treat  while  we  are  treated. 

Pancratius.  Good  Diogenes. 
I've  heard  Sebastian  say  you  knew,  when  young, 
That  glorious  youth,  Laurentius.   Is  it  so  1 


28 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Diog.  Twice  twenty  years  are  gone,  my  son,  1 
Since  that  brave  deacon  gave  his  life  for  Christ. 
Ah  !  'twas  a  goodly  jouth,  so  mild,  so  sweet,  . 
So  fair  and  yet  so  gracious.    0,  how  they  cherished  him. 
I  saw  him  when  the  venerable  Pontiff 
Was  led  to  death,  and  heard  him  meekly  chide 
The  valiant  Pope,  e'en  as  a  son  his  father. 
And  crave  him  not  to  leave  his  Minister, 
Who  oft  had  served  him  in  that  better  sacrifice 
By  Christ  accomplished  and  by  priest  renewed. 

Pane.  Ah !  those  were  goodly  times,  Diogene3. 
Think'st  thou,  Quadratus,  we  shall  see  the  like  1 

Quad.  Perhaps  we  may,  Pancratius.  Where's  the  will 
To  suffer,  there  the  way  is  ever  plain. 

Pane.  But  tell  me  how  ho  died,  Diogenes ; 
Was't  not  terrific  ? 

Diog.  Ah,  yes !  but  full  of  joy. 
Out  of  the  fire  which  bar'd  his  tender  flesh 
He  raised  himself,  and  looked  as  though  he  saw 
Some  vision  in  the  sky,  the  like  of  that 
Which  cheered  his  fellow-deacon,  holy  Stephen. 
The  flames  grew  fiercer  still ;  but  when  they  reached 
His  beauteous  head  they  shot  their  light  before  them, 
Forerunner  of  their  course ;  and  as  it  shone, 
Circling  his  head,  it  seemed  a  pendant  crown 
Dropped  from  the  opening  heavens.  Methinks, 
My  son,  thou  wouldst  have  joy'd  to  share  his  lot. 

Pane.  In  truth, 
Diogenes,  I  would  ;  but  he  was  strong, 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


29 


A  noble  hearted  deacon,  I  a  boy. 
Think'st  thou,  Quadratus,  that  with  bounteous  hand 
Our  Lord  gives  strength  in  measure  of  our  needs  1 
I  have  a  willing  heart ;  will  that  suffice  1 

Quad.  Yes,  yes,  Pancratius,  God  will  give  thee  strength 
Who  gives  the  will.    But  to  our  evening's  work. 
Wrap  close,  my  boy  ;  it  is  an  angry  night. 
Now,  good  Diogenes,  refresh  the  fire, 
And  let  the  feast  attend  our  speedy  coming. 
We  shall  be  back  right  soon. 
Diog.  Heaven  go  with  you ! 

{Exeunt  Quadratus  and  Pancratius.  Diogenes 
makes  the  fire  and  prepares  the  table.  ,  After  an 
interval  a  knock  is  heard.') 

Enter  Sebastian. 

Sebastian.  Thanks  be  to  God  ! 

Diogenes.  Noble  Sebastian,  welcome  ! 

Seb.  And  you,  Diogenes ;  your  little  home 
Looks  cheerily  to-night.  The  wind  and  rain 
Are  in  a  league  against  us,  gadabouts. 

Diog.  'Tis  something  strange  to  see  your  nobleness 
Abroad  so  late.    Howbeit,  a  joyful  prodigy. 

Seb.  0,  I'm  on  duty  still.    My  brave  centurion, 
Quadratus,  is  a  roaming,  and  I  come 
To  track  his  truant  steps.    He's  out,  they  tell  mo, 
With  that  sly  boy,  Pancratius.   I  suspect  me 
They're  at  some  holy  mischief. 

Diog.  Never  fear. 


30  SEBASTIAN  ;  OK, 

Two  nobler,  gentler  youths  I  have  not  known, 

And  I  am  hovering  on  four  score ;  I've  seen 

Full  many  in  my  day  of  either  sort. 

But  for  the  birds  whereof  you  come  in  quest, 

Your  nobleness,  good  fowler  that  you  are, 

Hath  well  conjectured  of  their  lurking  place. 

'Tis  scarce  five  minutes  since  they  went, 

Brave  youths,  to  do  some  work  whereof  they  spoke  not, 

More  than  to  shadow  forth  the  bare  intent, 

The  while  they  bade  me  make  a  winter's  fire  and 

Quicken  the  repast.    0,  here  they  are. 

Re-enter  Pancratius  with  a  roll  of  parchment  grumbled  up  in 
his  hand,  and  Quadratus. 
Pancratius.  Hurrah,  my  brave  boys,  a  prize,  a  prize ! 
All.  {Gathering  around  him.)  Let's  see  what  you  have  got, 
Pancratius. 

Pane.  The  Edict,  to  be  sure,  as  large  as  life. 

All.  Edict  1   What  Edict  1 

Pane,  That  against  the  Christians. 
Look  at  the  great  big  letters  how  they  flare — 
"  Death,"  "  Confiscation,"  all  that  sort  of  thing. 
Do  take  a  last  good  look  at  it,  my  boys. 

(Reads.)  "  Our  Lords  the  Emperors  :  Their  high  Divinities 
Decree,  Command,"  et  cetera.  Here  it  goes.  Let's  see  (holds 
it  over  the  lamp)  if  it  .will  burn.        (Sebastian  stands  aloof.) 

Seb.  Dear  friends,  this  time  your  zeal  hath  stole  a  march  on 
your  discretion.    Did  ye  well  to  seize  it  1 

Pane.  But  who  could  bear  to  see  the  ugly  thing 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


•  31 


Glaring  and  staring  in  the  public  way, 
And  think  of  all  its  lies  and  blasphemies. 
Was  it  so  very  wrong,  Sebastian  1 
Seb.  Well, 

You've  picked  a  quarrel  with  the  world, 

And  now  must  bear  the  brunt.    'Tis  not  for  me  to  chide  ye. 

{Exeunt.') 


SCENE— THE  FORUM  AS  BEFORE— SUNRISE— THE  SEN- 
TINEL ON  GUARD. 

Enter  Corvinus,  who  looks  up  at  the  pillar. 

Corvinus.  Where  is  the  Edict,  sirrah  1 

Sentinel.  What  Edict, 
An't  please  you,  Captain  1 

Corv.  That  which  yesternight 
I  set  up  here ! 

Sent.  E'en  where  you  left  it,  Captain. 

Corv.  Look  up,  you  dolt.    Where  is  it? 

Sent.  There's  the  board  : 
What  want  you  more  ? 

Corv.  'Tis  not  the  board,  you  blockhead. 
I  want  the  writing  you  had  to  guard. 

Sent.  Why,  look  you,  Captain,  as  to  writing  you  see  I  bee's 
no  scholar.  But  it  rained  all  night ;  mayhap  'tis  washed  away, 

Corv.  And  as  it  blew,  mayhap  the  parchment  blew  away ! 
Mean'st  that  1 

Sent.  Exactly  so. 

Corv.  Come,  sirrah,  this  is  no  joke. 
Tell  me  at  once,  came  any  one  last  night  ? 


32  • 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Sent.  No,  sir,  no  one. 
Corv.  No  one  1 
Sent.  No  one,  but  two. 
Corv.  Two  what? 

Sent.  Wizards  or  worse,  an't  please  you,  Captain. 

Corv.  No  trifling,  sirrah  !    Tell  me  what  they  were, 
And  what  they  did  1 

Sent.  One  was  a  stripling,  sir. 
Lanky  and  tall ;  and  he  went  round  the  pillar, 
And  maybe  whisked  the  parchment  off  while  I 
Was  arguing  with  the  other. 

Corv.  Who  was  he  1 

Sent.  Thor  or  Thor's  next  of  kin.    Ye  gods,  what  strength. 

Corv.  How  did  he  prove  his  strength  ? 

Sent.  He  came  and  chatted 
Quite  unconcerned ;  ask'd  me  if  I  felt  it  cold ; 
Said  it  was  very  cold ;  when  all  at  once 
It  struck  me  that  I  had  to  run  my  spear 
Right  through  his  body. 

Corv.  And  why  did  you  not  ? 

Sent.  Because  he  would  not  let  me,  sir.    I  told  hiin 
To  get  himself  away  or  I  would'  spear  him, 
And  then  I  drew  and  stretched  my  javelin  out, 
When  all  at  once  he  twitch'd  it  from  me,  snapped  it 
As  though't  had  been  a  juggler's  wooden  sword, 
And  dashed  the  iron  head-piece  in  the  ground, 
There  where  you  see  it,  fifty  paces  off. 

Corv.  But  why  not  use  your  sword  1  Where  is  your  swoTd  1 
Sent.  There,  don't  you  see  it  shining  on  the  tiles 


THE   ROMAN  MARTYR. 


33 


Of  yonder  building,  all  in  the  morning  sun  1 

Corv.  How  did  it  get  there,  booby  1    Answer  me  ; 
Don't  look  so  like  a  fool  1 

Sent.  He,  that  is,  it, 
(For  sure  'twas  ne'er  a  thing  of  flesh  and  blood) 
Charm'd  it  away  by  some  outlandish  trick, 
And  pitch'd  it  up  on  yonder  roof  as  nimbly 
As  I  might  throw  a  quoit. 
/  Corv.  What  did  he  next  1 

Sent.  He  and  the  lad  that  came  from  round  the  pillar 
Walk'd  off  quite  friendly  in  the  dark. 

Corv.  {Aside.)    There  is  one, 
And  one  alone,  could  do  that  feat  of  strength. 
{To  the  sentinel.)  A  pretty  story,  troth,  for  the  Emperor's  ear! 
But  tell  me,  sirrah  !  did  you  give  alarm 
And  speed  the  other  guards  in  quest  of  them  1 

Sent.  Not  I,  for  reasons  manifold.    Know,  first, 
That  the  Dacians  fight  a  fellow-creature  bravely ; 
But  as  for  hobgoblins,  they'll  not  stir  an  inch. 
And  then,  what  use  1    The  board  you  bade  me  watch 
I  saw  safe  and  sound,  just  where  you  left  it. 

Corv.  0,  you  barbarian  !    This  shall  told  the  Emperor. 
The  punishment  is  death. 

Sent.  For  what  % 

Corv.  For  what  1 
For  letting  one  come  up  and  parley  with  you 
Without  the  watchword. 

Sent.  But  ho  gave  the  watchword. 

Corv.  Then  'twas  no  Christian. 


34 


SEBASTIAN;  OR, 


Sent.,  Yes,  he  came  and  said 
Nomen  Imperatorum. 

Core.  What !    The  word 
Was  Numen. 

Sent.  Nomen,  Numen,  what's  the  odds  1 
My  name  is  Herman,  in  your  speech,  Arminius. 
Arminius  Herman,  Nomen  Numen  ;  well, 
One's  like  the  other.    How  can  I,  a  Dacian, 
Learn  all  your  pretty  niceties  of  speech  1 

Corv.  We'll  settle  this  before  the  Emperor. 
Your  crime  is  capital ;  and  he,  you  know, 
Not  apt  to  take  excuses. 

Sent.  Why,  look  you  now, 
There's  not  a  hair  to  choose  betwixt  us.  You, 
Herr  Krumbiner,  were  bound  as  much  as  I 
To  see  that,  what  d'ye  call  it  7  board  in  order. 

Corv.  'Tis  true,  I  was.    So  we  must  coin  a  story 
That  you  were  mastered  by  an  armed  force 
And  butcher'd  at  your  post.    Leave  that  to  me. 
Take  ill  and  go  in  quarters  for  a  month  ; 
I'll  see  you're  sated  with  Illyrian  beer, 
And  when  the  storm  blows  over  we'll  shake  hands. 
(Aside.)  That  boy  Pancratius  did  it,  and  shall  suffer. 
0,  sweet  revenge ;  the  hour  is  almost  come 
That  speeds  me  to  renown,  and  him  to  doom ! 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


35 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I.-THE  ANTONIAN  THER.VLE. 

Calpurnius  reading  on  one  side.    A  group  of  citizens  con- 
versing loudly. 

1st  Citizen.  A  strange  affair  this  of  the  edict. 
2nd  Citizen.  Horrible ! 

3rd  Citizen.  Treason,  rank  treason  against  the  divine  Em- 
perors ! 

1st  Cit.  How  was  it  done,  think  you  1 

3rd  Cit.  Have  you  not  heard  1  Why  the  sentinel  was  found 
dead  with  seven  and  twenty  stabs  in  his  breast,  nineteen  of 
which  were  mortal. 

2nd  Cit.  No,  that  was  a  false  report.  The  Christians  did  it 
all  by  their  diabolical  witchcraft.  It  appears  the  sentinel  was 
walking  up  and  down  on  his  post,  humming  a  Dacian  song, 
when  two  women — both  witches — came  on  him  unawares. 
One  he  struck  at  with  his  spear,  but  it  passed  through  her  and 
quivered  in  the  earth  beyond.  The  other  he  stoutly  attacked 
with  his  sword,  but  he  might  as  well  have  hacked  at  marble. 
She  threw  a  pinch  of  snuff  upon  him,  thus — (makes  a  gesture) 
— when  he  flew  into  the  air,  and  was  found  this  morning  fast 
asleep  on  the  roof  of  the  palace. 

All  Wonderful !    Wonderful ! 

2nd  Cit.  True,  I  assure  you.    A  friend  of  mine,  being  out 


3G 


SEBASTIAN  j  OR, 


early  this  morning,  saw  the  very  ladder  by  which  the  Dacian 
was  taken  down ! 

3rd  Cit.  I  can  hardly  credit  it.  Come,  Calpurnius,  put  by 
that  old  book  and  tell  us  is  there  any  such  thing  as  this  Chris- 
tian power,  which  can  make  men  fly  through  the  air. 

(Enter  Sebastian,  who  remains  in  the  back  ground.) 

Calpurnius.  Ahem !  My  excellent  friends,  it  is  not  impossible. 
"What  says  Pythagoras  1  •  That  the  element  of  air 
Preponderates  over  the  other  three  elements 
In  certain  vegetables,  as  pulse  and  lentels. 
Concedo  !  These  airy  vegetables  being  gathered  when  the  sun 
is  in  Libra, 

("Which  sign  hath  a  tendency  to  balance  all  earthly  things,) 
In  conjunction  with  the  winged  God,  Mercury , 
These  vegetables,  I  say,  energized  by  a  skilful  sorcerer, 
Pulverized  in.  a  mortar  made  of  an  aerolite  or  flying  stone, 
Would,  doubtless,  when  rightly  used,  enable  or  compel 
A  person  to  fly  into  the  air.    The  witches  in  Thessaly— 

1st.  Cit.  But  we  speak  of  the  Christians,  most  learned 
Calpurnius. 

Calp.  "We  are  coming  to  the  Christians,  my  worthy  friend. 
The  process  of  ratiocination  must  not  be  irregularly  arrested. 
There  is  a  case  in  point,  directly  in  point, 
Concerning  these  same  Christians.    It  is  quite  certain 
That  here  in  Rome  a  certain  Simon  Peter, 
Or  Simon  Magus  (both  titles  of  one  and  the  same  person), 
Actually  in  public  flew  up  into  the  air, 
But  his  talisman  slipping  from  his  belt. 
He  fell  and  broke  his  legs,  for  which  reason 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


37 


He  was  subsequently  crucified,  head  downward, 
Under  the  deified  Nero. 
2nd  Cit.  Are  all  Christians  magicians  1 

Calp.  Necessarily !  They  believo  their  priests  can  forgive  sins 
And  render  infants  immortal  by  bathing  them  in  charmed  water, 
With  a  thousand  other  absurdities. 

1st  Cit.  No  wonder  the  edicts  are  so  severe  against  them. 
2nd  Cit.  They  ought  to  be  destroyed  off  the  face  of  the  earth ! 

(Sebastian  comes  forward.) 
Zrd  Cit.  They  ought  to  be  destroyed'-!    What  think  you, 
Sebastian  1 

Sebastian.  That  if  they  are  as  bad  as  Calpurnius  says 
They  ought  to  be  destroyed.    But  even  so 
I  would  gladly  give  them  one  chance. 

1st  Cit.  And  what  might  that  be  1 

Seb.  That  no  one  should  be  allowed  to  join  in  their  perse- 
cution who  was  not  purer  than  they ; 
That  no  adulterer,  extortioner,  deceiver, 
No  drunkard,  no  bad  husband,  son  or  father, 
No  profligate,  no  thief,  should  be  taken  in  testimony  against 
them.    For  of  none  of  these  crimes  does  any  one 
accuse  the  Christians. 
— But  pardon  me  ;  I  was  on  my  way  elsewhere. 

(Exit  Sebastian.) 

1st  Cit.  The  day  is  weaning.  I  must  be  off  also.  {Exit.) 
All.  And  we,  too. 

Calp.  And  I,  too.    (Moves  off.)  (Exeunt.) 


38 


SEBASTIAN;  OR, 


Enter  Fulvius. 

Fulvius.  Ha  !  Calpurnius,  well  met ! 
Whither  do  you  go  ?    Have  you  heard  the  news  % 

Calpurnius.  Excellent  Fulvius,  I  have  heard  certain  tidings, 
But  whether  there  are  others  which  I  have  not  heard 
Really  I  cannot  determine  till  I  learn  their  import. 

Fidv.  One  of  the  persons  who  tore  down  the  edict  is  taken ! 

Cdlp.  Indeed  !    Already  1 

Fulv.  Yes,  by  Corvinus,  and  safely  lodged  in  prison. 
A  desperate  young  villain,  I  hear. 

Ca7p.  His  name,  excellent  Fulvius  1 

Fulv.  Pancratius  !    Of  a  patrician  family,  too. 
But  I  have  not  a  moment.    Farewell !  (Exit  Fabius.) 

Calp.  Vale  !   Vale  !  {Exit  Calpurnius.) 


SCENE  II.- 1  CHAMBER  IN  THE  PALACE. 

Maximiax  and  the  Prefect  of  Rome.    Maximian  striding  up 
and  down  furiously. 

Maximian.  Where  is  your  booby  of  a  son  1 
Prefect.  Humbly  waiting  your  divinity's  pleasure  without, 
To  implore  your  divinity's  forbearance- 
For  the  misfortune  which  has  befallen  him. 

Max.  Fortune!    Fortune!    His  own  stupidity  ! 
His  own  cowardice !    But  he  shall  smart  for  it. 
Bring  him  in. 

(The  Prefect  goes  out  and  returns  with  Corvinus,  who 
kneels  at  the  Emperor's  feet.   See  llFabiola,'n  p.  236.) 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


Max.  Come,  sirrah,  stand  up.    Answer  me  quickly. 
How  did  the  edict  disappear  1 

Corvinus.  Sire !    Sire  !    The  sentinel — a  simple  soldier — 
Was  on  his  beat  to  guard  it.    I  gave  him  the  word — 
Numen  Imperatorum — but  not  knowing  Latin, 
Two  men,  or  rather  a  man  and  youth, 
Came  past  by  night ;  he  called  them  and  they 
Answered  Nbmen  Imperatorum.  The 
Sentinel  confounded  one  with  the  other, 
And  so,  may  it  please  your  divinity — 

Max.  It  does  not  please  me,  blockhead. 
Why  did  you  put  such  a  sentinel  on  guard  1 
Lictors  advance.    Bind  your  fasces  ! 

Corv.  Mercy  !  mercy  !    Spare  my  life,  my  liege  ; 
I  have  important  information — 

Max.  Your  life  !    Who  wants  your  worthless  life  ? 
Lictors,  put  up  your  axes.  The  rods  are  good  enough  for  him. 
Bind  him.    Give  him  a  dozen. 

{They  bind  and  fog  Corvinus.    See  page,  as  above, 
for  description  of  the  process.) 

Corv.  Mercy  !  mercy  !    Oh  !  oh ! 

Max.  Another  dozen.    How  he  writhes.    Ha!  ha!  ha! 
Corv.  Oh!  oh!  oh! 

Max.  So  !  that  will  do  now.    Now,  sir,  stand  up. 
Don't  twist  your  miserable  body  so. 
Answer  me  :  What  is  your  wonderful  secret  1 

Corv.  Sire  !  I  know  who  did  it. 

Max.  What,  booby  1 

Corv.  The  outrag^on  your  Imperial  edict ! 


40 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Max.  Who  was  it  1 

Corv.  Pancratius,  a  Christian.    I  found  his  knife 
Under  the  pillar  from  which  the  edict  was  stolen. 

Max.  And  why  have  you  not  seized  him  ! 

Corv.  Twice  to-day  was  I  on  his  trail,  but  he  escaped  me. 

Max.  Let  him  not  escape  a  third  time 
Or  you  may  have  to  take  his  place. 
How  did  you  know  the  knife  was  his  1 

Corv.  He  was  my  school-fellow  under  Cassianus, 
Who  turned  out  to  be  a  Christian — 

Max.  Now,  by  the  Infernal  Gods !    A  Christian  teach  my 
subjects ! 

And  he  has  had  worthy  scholars.    Taught  to 
Pull  down  our  Imperial  edict,  no  doubt. 
Where  is  this  Cassianus  1 

Corv.  At  present  in  Campania, with  the  ex-prefect  Chromatius, 
And  others  of  the  party — 

Max.  The  ex-prefect,  too  !    What  treachery  ! 
What  treason  !    I  shall  not  know  next 
In  whom  to  trust !    Prefect,  send  some  forthwith 
To  arrest  Chromatius,  and  the  schoolmaster, 
And  the  whole  abominable  set — 

Pref.  Yes,  sire  ;  but — 

Max.  Do  it,  I  say.    Spare  no  one. 
Let  me  not  see  your  face  again 
Till  you  report  it  done. 

{Exeunt  Prefect  and  Corvintjs.) 
Now  it  is  supper  time.    Well !  well ' 
Christians  !  Christians  ! — springing  up  on  jll  sides. 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR.  *  41 


Nothing  but  Christians !    But  I'll  show  them 
That  Caesar  and  not  Christ  rules  in  Rome ! 

{Exit  Maximian.) 


SCENE  III.— THE  MAMERTINE  PRISON. 

Panckatius  iii  chains. 
Enter  Sebastian. 

Pancratius.  Well,  dear  Sebastian,  'tis  at  hand  you  see: 
The  hour  so  long  foreknown,  so  tremblingly 
Yet  deeply  loved.    Remember  you,  my  friend, 
The  night  when  from  your  terrace-height  we  heard 
The  roar  of  savage  beasts  and  saw  from  far 
The  gaping  arches  of  the  amphitheatre 
Shaped  like  the  Christian's  crown  1 

Sebastian.  0,  yes !  dear  boy, 
Full  well  I  do  remember  me  that  night, 
Methought  your  heart  had  then  some  foretaste, 
Of  what  breaks  for  you  with  to-morrow's  dawn. 

Pane.  It  had,  it  had.    Then  felt  I  first  the  hope 
That  I  might  live  to  glut  the  roaring  fury 
Of  those  wild  deputies  of  cruel  men ; 
And  now  the  time  is  come.    I  scarce  believe 
One  weak  as  I,  not  all  unmeet  to  share  ^ 
The  honors  of  the  valiant.    What  am  I, 
A  poor  and  feeble  boy — what  have  I  done 
To  merit  such  a  grace  1 

Seb.  You  know,  Pancratius, 
Not  he  that  wills  nor  he  that  runs  excelleth, 


42        •  SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 

But  God  the  merciful  makes  choice  of  whom 
He  singles  for  His  crowns !    But  tell  me  rather 
How  feel  you  now  about  to-morrow's  fate  1 

Pane.  As  of  a  vision  so  magnificent, 
So  far  beyond  my  right,  above  my  aims, 
That  still  it  shows  like  some  delicious  dream, 
Too  fair  for  truth.    Sebastian,  can  you  grasp  it 
That  I,  shut  up  within  these  prison- walls, 
Ere  sets  that  sun  which  brings  to-morrow's  light, 
Shall  hear  the  melody  of  angel  harps, 
Walk  with  the  white-rob'd  saints,  inhale 
The  perfume  of  celestial  incense,  drink 
The  crystal  waters  of  the  stream  of  life  1 

Seb.  And  naught  beside  1 

Pane.  More  than  I  dare  to  name, 
That  I,  a  stripling,  late  exempt  from  school, 
Should  say  and  truly  say — some  time  to-morrow 
I  shall  behold  whom  angels  love  to  look  upon ; 
Behold  Him,  face  to  face,  adore  Him,  kneel, 
Aj^d  at  His  hand  receive  a  palm  and  crown  ; 
And  feel — 0  ecstacy  ! — His  own  embrace. 
Ah !  must  I  quit  this  hope  1    Yes,  but  for  what  ? 
For  consummated  bliss.    Dearest  Sebastian, 
'Tis  true  !  'tis  true ! 

Seb.  And  more  !  yea,  more  ! 

Pane.  More  still. 
To  close  these  weary  eyes  on  crimes  of  men, 
And  ope  them  on  the  beatific  vision  ; 
To  shut  them  on  the  thousand  hideous  looks 


THE   ROMAN   MARTYR.  . 


43 


Chat  frown  the  vengeance  of  the  amphitheatre, 

And  on  that  bright  intelligence  unclose  them 

Whose  beams  would  blind  us,  did  they  not  surround, 

Burn,  but  that  they  embrace  and  welcome  us  ! 

To  dart  these  eyes  deep  in  the  glowing  fire 

Of  God's  own  heart,  and  plunge  and  nestle  there. 

Aw'd  yet  not  stricken,  lost  yet  not  destroy'd, 

This  shall  be  mine  to-morrow  (bell  strikes).    Hark  !  the  sound 

Of  midnight'  from  the  Capitol.    'Tis  day. 

Seb.  Happy  Pancratius.    You  have  still  some  hours  to  bido 

-   in  hope  1 
Pane.  And  then  how  good  of  God 

To  grant  me  such  a  death  !    The  rage  of  beasts 

And  sinning  men  more  frightened  far  than  they, 
.Che  grin  of  scorn,  the  yell  of  fiendish  hate, 

The  sight  shall  vanish  from  mine  eyes  ;  these  sounds 

Fall  on  mine  ear.    Why  should  I  fear  to  die  1 

This  world  is  dead  while  yet  I  live, 

No  look  of  love  to  lure  me  to  its  wiles, 

No  plaint  of  female  voice  to  charm  mine  ears, 

Just  op'ning  on  the  heav'nly  harmonies. 

One,  only  one  there  is  whose  parting  glance 

Will  brace,  and  not  unnerve  ;  whose  dauntless  voice 

Cheer,  not  enfeeble.  .  'Tis  agreed,  my  mother 

Comes  here*at  break  of  day.    But,  dearest  friend, 

The  secrets  that  you  long  concealed  from  me 

Wilt  now  reveal  them.    'Tis  our  latest  time. 

Seb.  What  secrets  dost  thou  refer  to,  my  friend  1 
Pane.  When  first  the  vision  of  this  happy  day 


44 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OK, 


Woko  on  my  thoughts  while  on  the  terrace  height, 
We  mus'd  on  death  that  memorable  eve 
You  spoke  of  something  strong  enough  to  check 
Your  zeal  for  martyrdom.    Late  you  despatch'd 
Me  to  Campania,  for  what  cause  you  said  not ; 
And  yet  it  seemed  as  though  both  secrets  turned 
On  the  same  hinge,  and  bore  a  like  intent. 

Seb.  In  truth  they  did.    To  watch  thee,  dear  Pancratius, 
And  fan  the  glowing  zeal  that  finds  to-day 
Its  finish'd  work — this  was  thy  friend's  desire. 
One  fear  did  haunt  him,  lest  with  eager  haste 
Thou  mightst  anticipate  and  mar  thy  crown, 
Or  tip  with  passing  blight  one  op'ning  leaf 
Of  thy  victorious  palm.    The  bold  exploit 
Of  tearing  down  the  edict  fed  this  fear. 
'Twas  then  that,  to  forestall  the  dreaded  ill, 
I  sent  thee  to  Campania.    Hadst  thou  then 
In  course  of  law  suffer'd  for  that  rash  act, 
Thou  hadst  been  martyr  still ;  yet  would  thy  sentence 
Have  told  a  civil  crime,  which  now  proclaims 
A  meek  confessorship.    The  very  heathens 
Had  pointed  proudly  at  the  gallant  youth 
"Who  dared  insult  the  laws,  and  in  thy  conflict 
Some  selfish  thought  had,  peradventure,  dimm'd 
The  lustre  of  thy  sacrifice,  and  snatched  * 
Its  brightest  jewel  from  thy  martyr's  crown. 
But  when  I  saw  thee,  like  a  gentle  lamb, 
Torn  from  thy  peaceful  fold  in  loving  mood, 
Dragg'd  through  the  streets,  chained  to  a  galley  slave, 


THE   ROMAN  MARTYR. 


45 


Pelted  and  hooted  as  believers  are, 

Charged  with  no  crime  against  Rome's  majesty 

(Save  that  thou  own'dst  the  hated  name  of  Christian), 

My  task  was  o'er,  thy  glory  consummated, 

And  what  had  I  to  do  but  leave  the  work 

With  him  who  had  disposed  it. 

Pane.  Dearest  friend, 
How  like  your  love  to  that  which  God  hath  borne  me. 
How  like  His  providence,  which  circles  all, 
Yet  notes  the  tiny  tenants  of  the  air 
And  knows  the  number  of  the  countless  sand  ; 
All  clasping,  all  observing.    Grant  me  now 
To  feel  thee  near  me  in  the  fight  to-day. 
That  from  my  hands  thou  bear  this  legacy 
To  my  sweet  mother.    'Tis  the  blood  wherewith 
They  marked  me  as  my  Savior's  own. 

Seb.  Trust  me, 
I  wiH  not  fail,  e'en  though  it  cost  my  life. 
Farewell !    "We  shall  not  be  long  parted.  To-day 
For  thee,  for  me  to-morrow.  {Exeunt) 


SCENE  IV. — THE  EMPEROR'S  COURT— MAXIMIAN— THE 
PREFECT  OF  THE  CITY — C0RVINU3—FULYIUS— SEBAS- 
TIAN —  QU  ADR A.TU3,  AND  GUARDS. 

Maximian.  Well !  of  this  enough. 
We  lavish  favors  freely  upon  all, 
But  from  how  few  can  we  expect  true  service  1 
From  soldiers  only.    Men  true  to  the  death. 


46 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


Men  such  as  thou,  Sebastian  !  (Sebastian  bows.) 

But  from  the  gownsmen  who  frequent  a  court. 
Fawning  for  favors  ;  they  are  a  base  tribe. 
Are  they  not.  noble  Fulvius  1 

Fulvius.  {Drops  on  one  knee.)   Sire,  your  reproach  is  just. 
But  not  to  me.    I  know  I've  ill  requited 
Your  divinity's  many  liberal  subsidies  ; 
But  now,  at  last,  I  can  redeem  my  pawned  faith. 
I  have  found  the  foulest  treason,  the  most  fell  conspiracy 
About  your  majesty's  most  sacred  person ! 

Max.  How,  sirrah  !  about  our  person  % 
Speak !  or  the  words  shall  be  drawn 
From  you  with  iron  pincers  — 

Fulv.  Sebastian  is  a  Christian  ! 

Max.  Thou  liest,  thou  dog  !    The  captain  of  my  guard, 
The  very  keeper  of  my  inmost  trust — 
Thou  shalt  prove  thy  word,  thou  Avretch  ! 
Or  die,  as  Christian  scoundrel  never  died! 

(Sebastian  steps  forward.) 

Sebastian.  My  liege,  I  spare  you  all  trouble  of  proof ; 
I  am  a  Christian !   I  glory  in  the  name. 

Max.  Oh !  ye  gods  hear  this  !    Was  ever  man 
So  served  1    Was  ever  Prince  so  betrayed i    One — one 
Honored  above  all  others,  to  join  these  infidel 
Dogs  who  dishonor  Rome,  tear  down  our  edict, 
Undermine  the  state,  plot  against  our  very  person! 
One  raised  to  honor,  to  trust,  to  the  first  rank. 
Oh,  ingrate  !  viper  !  scorpion  !  what  shall  I  call  thee 
Vile  or  bad  enough  1 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


Seb.  Hear  me,  my  liege.   In  that  I  am  a  Christian 
You  have  the  best  bond  of  my  fidelity ! 
Max.  Tngrate ! 

Seb.  Listen,  most  noble  Emperor.   Where  is  fidelity  1 

-  • 

'Twas  this  you  asked  a  moment  since. 
I'll  answer.    Go  to  the  prisons,  strike  the  iron  off 
The  Christian's  limbs  ;  he  is  enchained  fidelity. 
Go  to  the  courts,  unload  the  groaning  rack. 
From  the  arena  and  the  tiger's  jaws  snatch 
The  maimed  Christian ;  maimed  man  but  whole 
In  faith.    Believe  me,  sire,  no  legion  in  your  pay 
Can  count  as  many  loyal  hearts  as  languish 
In  Roman  prisons,  charged  only  with  their  faith. 
And  further,  this  :  they  never  can  be  true 
To  king  or  state,  who  do  not,  above  all, 
Fear,  honor  and  obey  the  King  of  Kings. 

Max.  Folly  and  madness  !  I'd  rather  have  a  body  guard 
Of  wolves  than  Christians.    Your  treachery  is  enough. 

Seb.  No  traitor  am  I,  royal  Emperor.    By  night  and  day, 
Guarded,  unguarded,  I  had  access  to  you. 
If  I  were  a  traitor,  the  traitor's  opportunity 
Offered  at  every  hour — 

Max.  Yet  you  concealed  your  creed. 
You  feared  the  bitter  death  due  to  your  crime. 

Seb.  No,  sire  !    Coward  no  more  than  traitor. 
I  had  a  duty  to  my  brethern — for  them  I  lived ; 
But  hope  had  almost  died  within  me. 
Fulvius,  I  thank  thee ! 
Thou  hast  spared  me  the  sad  choice 


48 


SEBASTIAN  j  OR, 


Of  seeking  death  or  bearing  still  a  life 
I  earnestly  desire  to  give  away. 

Max.  Ho !  here,  Quadratus !  Arrest  your  Tribune ! 
Do  you  hear  1    What !  you  hesitate  1 

Quadratus.  My  liege,  I,  too,  am  a  Christian. 

Max.  What,  more  of  it !    Here,  seize  me  that  centurion  ! 
Bear  him  away  to  instant  execution. 

{Tliey  take  out  Quadratus.) 
But  for  this  chief  offender,  take  him  to  Hyphax 
The  captain  of  my  sure  Numidian  bowmen. 
Bid  them  in  Adonis'  grove  tie  up  this  traitor, 
And  send  an  arrow  into  every  joint, 
And  draw  the  treacherous  blood  from  every  pore. 
And  kill  him,  sense  by  sense  and  joint  by  joint, 
Leaving  the  heart  and  brain  to  beat  and  burst 
Until  the  last  drop  ebbs  from  out  his  veins. 
Begone  !  and  answer  with  your  lives  for  his. 

{Exeunt.) 


SCENE  V.— A  ROOM  IN  THE  PREFECT'S  HOUSE -COR VINUS 
ON  A  BED  IN  A  DISTURBED  SLEEP. 

Dioxysius.  Attendant. 

Dionysius.  If  he  sleep  he  may  yet  do  well. 

Attendant.  He  sleeps,  indeed,  but  rests  not.  Mark  you 
how  he  breathes,  as  though  a  mountain  was  on  his  breast ; 
every  now  and  then  he  cries  aloud,  as  if  some  terrible  vision 
were  chasing  him. 

Dion.  How  came  he  in  this  condition  1 

Attend.  This  morning,  as  he  was  passing  by  the  amphi- 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


49 


theatre  near  the  den  where  the  wild  beasts  are  kept  up 
for  the  shows,  he  was  driven  by  some  mad  humor  (such  as 
hath  often  seized  him  of  late)  to  approach  one  of  the  biggest 
and  liveliest  of  the  panthers,  and  began  addressing  his  speech 
to  the  dumb  beast,  and  challenging  it  as  if  it  had  been  a 
mortal  man  ;  the  beast,  provoked  by  his  words  and  threats, 
turned  upon  him  with  a  nimble  spring,  and  buried  its  poisoned 
fangs  in  the  fleshy  part  of  his  neck. 

Dion.  So  envenomed  a  wound  in  so  pampered  and  inflamed 
a  body  will  go  far  to  baffle  the  skill  of  the  physician.  But 
how  hath  your  young  master  been  affected  since  this  accident  1 

Attend.  He  harps  on  one  string  incontinently,  raving  of  a 
certain  youth,  his  schoolmate,  who  was  lately  torn  to  pieces 
by  wild  beasts  in  the  amphitheatre. 

Dion.  By  name  Pancratius  ? 

Attend.  The  very  same.  He  seems  to  note  some  marvellous 
similitude  between  the  death  of  this  youth  and  that  by  which 
himself  is  to  die — at  one  time  cursing  him  as  his  chief  enemy ; 
at  another,  seeming  to  respect  him  as  a  prophet. 

Dion.  (Aside.)  Ha!  I  remember  well;  Prancratius  did 
predict  that  his  accuser,  except  he  repented,  would  die  a 
death  like  his  own. 

Attend.  But  the  marvellous  thing  is  how  he  starts  and  mad- 
dens at  the  sight  and  even  the  name  of  water  When  he  was 
bitten  a  fellow  was  near  him,  whom  I  half  suspect  to  have 
been  one  of  that  hateful  band  of  Christians.  Whatever  pos- 
sessed this  fellow  I  know  not,  but  he  must  needs  persist  in 
tormenting  my  master  about  magical  arts  and  ceremonies.  It 
seemed  to  be  about  some  kind  of  charmed  water,  ^ich  he 


50 


SEBASTIAN  ;  OR, 


said  was  to  heal  him  all  at  once ;  but  at  the  name  of  water 
Master  Corvinus  jumped  up  and  sprung  upon  the  other  as  if 
himself  had  been  a  panther,  and  I  think  for  my  part  he  served 
him  right,  for  talking  of  such  things  to  a  sick  man.  But 
hist !  he  wakes. 

Corvinus.  Water  would  they  give  me  !  Water!  water!  No 
water  for  me ! 

Dion.  Peace,  foul  spirits  !  torment  him  not. 

Corv,  Not  water,  no !  It  is  fire  !  I  am  on  fire !  You  there, 
who  are  you  1  Are  you  Pancratius  ?  Put  out  the  fire.  Blow 
out  that  flame  which  is  mounting  to  my  head.  Why  don't  you 
put  it  out,  you  coward  1 

Dion.  Merciful  Lord,  take  pity  on  him. 

Corv.  Away,  Pancratius,  begone !  I  cannot  bear  the  sight 
of  thee.  Thou  hast  glared  on  me  long  enough.  Keep  back 
thy  panther.  Hold  it  fast.  It  comes,  it  comes ;  it  is  on  my 
throat.    Oh,  misery  !  {Dies.) 

Dion.  Surely  such  a  death  were  a  great  persuasion  to  a 
good  life.  (Exit.) 


SCENE  VL— NIGHT— THE  HOUSE  OF  DI0GENE3-DI0- 
GENES  AND  A  CHRISTIAN  OP  THE  CITY. 

Diogenes.  So  he  really  lives  !    God  is  wonderful. 
If  I  only  had  him  here.   Where  is  he  concealed  1 

Christian.    (In  a  low  voice.)    Even  in  the  palace  on  the 
Palatine. 

In  the  apartment  of  that  admirable  lady,  Irene  ! 

He's  resolute  to  confront  Maximian — who  thinks  him  dead — 

To  utter  a  last  warning  against  the  persecutor,  and  to  die. 


THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


51 


Diog.  Noble  Sebastian ! 
No  earthly  feeling,  then,  can  change  his  purpose  % 

Christ.  Nay,  he  has  none  ;  his  soul  is  all  in  Heaven. 
For  worldly  love  or  fame  he  deems  them  light 
As  summer  dust.    He  sees  his  pathway  clear, 
And,  living  martyr  as  he  truly  is, 
'Tis  not  for  us  to  press  our  own  desire 
Against  his  higher  knowledge 

Diog.  No,  God  forbid  !  Those  who  soar  so  near  Heaven, 
My  friend,  take  some  of  its  light  down  with  them, 
Be  sure.    When  shall  I  see  you  again] 

Christ.  Right  soon.    I  am  for  the  Palatine,  and  if 
I  may  I  will  penetrate  to  the  martyr's  presence 
And  get  his  blessing.    Farewell  for  a  little.  {Exeunt.') 


SCENE  VII.-IN  FRONT  OF  PALATINE— A  CROWD  OF  LIC- 
TORS,  GUARDS,  Ac— SEBASTIAN,  PALE  AND  BANDAGED, 
APPEARS  IN  A  GALLERY  OVERLOOKING  THE  CROWD. 

Lictors.  Way  for  the  divine  Emperor  ! 

(Maximian  slowly  descends  the  steps.  Petitions 
are  thurst  forward  on  every  side.) 
Sebastian.   {In  a  sepulchral  voice.)  Maximian ! 
Maximian.  Who  art  thou  that  so  profane  our  name  1 
Seb.  One  from  the  dead,  come  hither  to  confront  thee  ! 
Max.  Sebastian ! 

Seb.  A  day  of  vengeance  is  at  hand,  Maximian. 
Attend  my  words.  Thou  hast  destroyed  the  just. 
The  blood  of  saints  incarnadines  thy  hand. 


52 


SEBASTIAN  ;   OR,  THE  ROMAN  MARTYR. 


The  Tiber  floats  their  bodies  to  the  sea, 

Or  on  the  dunghill  hast  thou  cast  them  out. 

Thou  hast  defiled  God's  altar,  robbed  his  poor, 

Given  virgins  up  to  infamous  assaults. 

For  this  and  thine  own  vices, 

Pride — lewdness — avarice  and  oppression — 

God  has  marked  thee  !    Thou  shalt  die 

By  violence,  thou  shalt  perish  as  is  meet, 

And  then  God  will  raise  up  an  Emperor, 

One  to  protect  His  people,  who  shall  rule 

"When  thy  name  will  be  cursed  throughout  the  earth. 

Repent,  unhappy  prince.    Beseech  the  Crucified, 

The  All-powerful,  the  All-merciful, 

Him  whom  thou  dost  persecute — Him  beseech  to  pardon  thee. 

Max.  He  lives,  and  lives  to  curse  us  ! 
Ah !  methought  it  was  his  ghost. 
Ho,  Hyphax !    Where  is  Hyphax  1 
This  comes  of  not  permitting  them  to  send 
An  arrow  thro'  his  brain  or  heart  at  first. 
You  hear,  my  clubmen  7    Bring  that  traitor  down. 

(Sebastian  is  brought  in  between  two  clubmen.') 
Yonder  on  one  side  a  little.  Don't  stain  my  palace  steps. 
Dash  me  his  brains  out.    So  shall  all  Christians  perish, 
And  all  confess  the  omnipotence  of  Csesar. 

Seb.    (As  they  drag  him  out.)    Maximian,  repent ! 
Ctesar  is  not  God.    And  we,  my  fellow-Christians,  if  there  be 
any  here, 

Remember  we  must  serve  God  rather  than  Caesar. 

(  Curtain  falls.) 


